Madison, MS

Monthly Archives: July 2014

I Corinthians 1:10-17: St. Paul appeals to the Corinthians to put away their divisions and to be joined together in Jesus Christ.

Matthew 14:14-22: In the reading from St Matthew we hear about Jesus’ feeding the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish. In this miracle we see that Jesus is the Bread of Life.

Troparion of the Resurrection: Thou didst shatter death by thy Cross; thou didst open paradise to the thief; thou didst turn the mourning of the ointment-bearing women into joy, and didst bid thine Apostles proclaim warning that thou hast risen, O Christ, granting the world Great Mercy.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear. We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion of the Transfiguration: Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and thy Disciples, in so far as they were able, beheld thy glory, O Christ our God; so that, when they should see thee crucified, they would remember that thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the world that thou art truly the effulgent Splendor of the Father.

CALENDAR

Sunday, August 3 (Eighth Sunday after Pentecost)

8:50 a.m. — Orthros

10:00 a.m. — Divine Liturgy

Monday, August 4

Office Closed — Father John’s Day Off

6:30 p.m. — Paraklesis Service

Tuesday, August 5

6:00 a.m. — Daily Orthros

6:00p.m. — Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, August 6 (Feast of the Transfiguration)

6:30 p.m. — Paraklesis Service

Thursday, August 7

11:30 a.m. — Men’s Lunch

Friday, August 8

6:30 p.m. — Paraklesis Service

Saturday, August 9

10:00 a.m. — Ladies meet for Akathist and Lunch

5:45 p.m. — Ninth Hour followed by Great Vespers

Sunday, August 10 (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost; Sunday after Transfiguration)

8:50 a.m. — Orthros

10:00 a.m. — Divine Liturgy

12:00 p.m. — Pot Luck Meal

5:00 p.m. — Young Adults

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Daniel Roots for the Divine Liturgy today.

Please be reminded that the Sacristy/Vestry which is adjacent to and behind the altar in our church is considered by the Orthodox Church to be part of the Sanctuary (Altar area) and should not be entered without the blessing of the priest for a specific purpose. If you need to speak with a member of the clergy while they are in the Sanctuary, please ask them to come to you in the nave.

Eucharist Bread and Coffee Hour Schedule:

Eucharist BreadCoffee Hour

August 3 D. Root Ellis/Zouboukos/Fahmy

August 5 (Tues. p.m.) Meadows Elizabeth Root

(Feast of the Transfiguration)

August 10 Abraham POT LUCK MEAL

set-up: Pigott/Brock/Strain

August 14 (Thur. p.m.) Karam Christina Katool

(Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos)

August 17 Fahmy Skirtech/Skirtech/Parker

August 24 Baker D. Root/Dansereau

August 31 Wood Algood/Yeatts/Lasseter

Schedule for Epistle Readers – Page numbers refer to the Apostolos (book of the Epistles) located on the front pew. Please be sure to use this book when you read.

ReaderReadingPage#

August 3 Warren Strain I Cor. 1:10-17 124

August 5 (Tues. p.m.) Kh. Sharon Meadows II Pet. 1:10-19 401

August 10 Mildred Morris I Cor. 3:9-17 130

August 14 (Thur. p.m.) Phillip Lasseter Phil. 2:5-11 403

August 17 Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver I Cor. 4:9-16 135

August 24 * Tom Skirtech * I Cor. 9:2-12 141

August 31 * Brenda Baker * Heb. 9:1-7 337

* (Please note that these assignments differ from the Quarterly Schedule)

Walt and Charlotte Wood and their family; Tom and Jennifer Skirtech and their family; Tom and Kathy Willingham; Athena and Anthony Zouboukos and their family.

Please be reminded of the following:

Be very careful with the Blessed Bread when you take it after communion. Because this bread has been blessed, we should take care not to let crumbs fall on the floor. Parents, especially, please help your children to choose a small piece and treat it carefully.

Also, at the end of the liturgy, maintain a prayerful disposition during the veneration of the cross as the prayers of thanksgiving after communion are still underway. Please exchange your greetings with each other in the Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour.

Continue to pray for Metropolitan Paul (who is also the brother of our Patriarch) and the Syriac Archbishop John of Aleppo who were abducted while on a humanitarian mission in Syria.

* The Men of the parish meet for lunch and fellowship on the first Thursday of the month.

* The Ladies of St. Peter will meet at 10:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month to pray the Akathist to the Mother of God, Nurturer of Children. Those who are able will go out for lunch and fellowship afterwards.

* The Fast of the Dormiton began on August 1st and runs through the 15th. As is our custom we will celebrate the Paraklesis Service to the Theotokos on all Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings during the fast, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1st.

* The Feast of the Transfiguration will be celebrated with Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday evening, August 5th, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

* We celebrate the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos with Orthos followed by the Divine Liturgy on Thursday evening, August 14th, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

* Fr. John and Kh. Janet will be in New Orleans the week-end of October 3-5 for the memorial of the falling asleep of Fr. Stephen Hardy who was a long-time pastor at St. Basil Orthodox Church.

Young Adults Study Group: The Young Adults agreed this past Sunday evening to begin meeting twice a month. One of these meetings will feature a teaching by Fr. John on various aspects of the Orthodox Christian faith. Topics will include education, ethics and parenting children. The next meeting will be Sunday, August 10th at the church at 5:00 p.m. The second monthly meeting for the Young Adults will be for fellowship. Fr. John and Kh. Janet will host the first fellowship meal at their home at 5:00 p.m. on August 24th. Please try to make childcare arrangements if possible.

Fasting Discipline for August

The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the month. From August 1st through 14th (the Dormition Fast), the traditional fasting is observed on all days, except August 6th (the Feast of the Transfiguration) when fish and wine are permitted. After the 15th, the traditional fasting is observed on the remaining Wednesdays and Fridays of the month. August 29th is also a strict fast day in remembrance of the beheading of the Forerunner.

Major Commemorations for August

August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration

August 15 Feast of the Dormition

August 25 Apostles Bartholomew and Titus

August 29 Beheading of the Forerunner

August 31 Deposition of the Belt of the Theotokos

Happy Anniversaries in August:

August 16 — Rick and Kay Carlton (#39!)

August 17 — Steve and Sheryl Chamblee (#23!)

August 18 — Jesse and Sarah Milnor (#12!)

August 25 — Nimr and Mona Fahmy (#40!)

August 27 — Alfred and Christina Katool (#26!)

Happy Birthdays in August:

August 4 — Simeon Root (#5!)

August 7 — Joseph Katool

August 18 — Virginia Stewart (#4!)

August 20 — Suzi Fino

August 24 — Anastasia Jones

August 26 — Bob Buchanan

August 27 — Eli Dabit (#4!)

August 31 — Elizabeth Root

Suggestions on use of the Cry Room:

— Please remember you’re in liturgy when you’re in the cry room.

— Its main purpose should be a place for parents to take their children if they’re being disruptive during liturgy, staying for 5-10 minutes (or until the child is calmed down) and then returning to liturgy.

— It should not be used as a main sitting area during the liturgy.

— Children should not be eating snacks or watching electronic devices while in the cry room.

Parents, please supervise your children with food in the Fellowship Hall. We are getting stains on the new carpet (and also the chairs in the nave).

Quotable: “‘Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord’ (Eph. v. 19).

How should we interpret these words? Do they mean that when you are filled with the Spirit, you should then sing with your mouth and your heart? Or that if you wish to be filled with the Holy Spirit, you should first sing? Is singing with mouth and heart, mentioned by the Apostle, meant to be the consequence of being filled by the Spirit, or the means towards it.

The infusion of the Holy Spirit does not lie within our power. It comes as the Spirit Himself wishes. And when it comes, this infusion will greatly animate the powers of our spirit that the song to God breaks out of itself. Freedom of choice lies only between leaving this song to be sung in the heart alone, or expressing it aloud for all to hear.”

The Art of Prayer, compiled by Igumen Chariton of Valamo

Worship: Sunday, August 10, 2014 (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost; Sunday after the

II Timothy 2:1-10: Through the example of the soldier, athlete and farmer, St. Paul reminds us that faithful ministry requires discipline, obedience, self-denial and struggle.

Matthew 9:27-35: The Lord Jesus again demonstrates His mercy by healing two blind men and cast­ing out a demon from a man possessed. We see that the Lord has compassion for all those who are op­pressed by sin, death and Satan.

Troparion of the Resurrection: When Mary stood at thy grave looking for thy sacred body, angelic powers shone above thy revered tomb, and the soldiers who were to keep guard became as dead men. Thou led hades captive and wast not tempted thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst give life to the world; O thou who art risen from the dead! O Lord, glory to thee.

Troparion of the Great-martyr and Unmercenary Healer Panteleimon: O holy prizewinner and healer Panteleimon, intercede with the merciful God that He will grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear. We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion of the Transfiguration: Thou wast transfigured on the mount, and thy Disciples, in so far as they were able, beheld thy glory, O Christ our God; so that, when they should see thee crucified, they would remember that thy suffering was voluntary, and could declare to all the world that thou art truly the effulgent Splendor of the Father.

Walt and Charlotte Wood and their family; Tom and Jennifer Skirtech and their family; Tom and Kathy Willingham; Athena and Anthony Zouboukos and their family.

Please be reminded of the following:

Be very careful with the Blessed Bread when you take it after communion. Because this bread has been blessed, we should take care not to let crumbs fall on the floor. Parents, especially, please help your children to choose a small piece and treat it carefully.

Also, at the end of the liturgy, maintain a prayerful disposition during the veneration of the cross as the prayers of thanksgiving after communion are still underway. Please exchange your greetings with each other in the Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour.

Please be reminded that the Sacristy/Vestry which is adjacent to and behind the altar in our church is considered by the Orthodox Church to be part of the Sanctuary (Altar area) and should not be entered without the blessing of the priest for a specific purpose. If you need to speak with a member of the clergy while they are in the Sanctuary, please ask them to come to you in the nave.

Continue to pray for Metropolitan Paul (who is also the brother of our Patriarch) and the Syriac Archbishop John of Aleppo who were abducted while on a humanitarian mission in Syria.

* The Men of the parish meet for lunch and fellowship on the first Thursday of the month.

* The Ladies of St. Peter will meet at 10:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month to pray the Akathist to the Mother of God, Nurturer of Children. Those who are able will go out for lunch and fellowship afterwards.

* The Fast of the Dormiton begins on August 1st and runs through the 15th. As is our custom we will celebrate the Paraklesis Service to the Theotokos on all Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings during the fast, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1st.

* The Feast of the Transfiguration will be celebrated with Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday evening, August 5th, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

* We celebrate the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos with Orthos followed by the Divine Liturgy on Thursday evening, August 14th, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

* Fr. John and Kh. Janet will be in New Orleans the week-end of October 3-5 for the memorial of the falling asleep of Fr. Stephen Hardy who was a long-time pastor at St. Basil Orthodox Church.

Young Adults Study Group: The Young Adults will meet once a month on Sunday evening from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (time will be strictly adhered to) for a meal, fellowship and teaching. The date for next meeting is, Sunday, August 17th. Please let Father John know by text or e-mail if you will be there, so that plans may be made for the meal.

Fasting Discipline for July/August

The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the month. From August 1st through 14th (the Dormition Fast), the traditional fasting is observed on all days, except August 6th (the Feast of the Transfiguration) when fish and wine are permitted. After the 15th, the traditional fasting is observed on the remaining Wednesdays and Fridays of the month. August 29th is also a strict fast day in remembrance of the beheading of the Forerunner.

Major Commemorations for July/August

July 27 Great-martyr Panteleimon

August 1 Procession of the Holy Cross

August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration

August 15 Feast of the Dormition

August 25 Apostles Bartholomew and Titus

August 29 Beheading of the Forerunner

August 31 Deposition of the Belt of the Theotokos

Happy Anniversaries in July/August:

July 30 — Clyde and Mary Ellis (#20!)

August 16 — Rick and Kay Carlton (#39!)

August 17 — Steve and Sheryl Chamblee (#23!)

August 18 — Jesse and Sarah Milnor (#12!)

August 25 — Nimr and Mona Fahmy (#40!)

August 27 — Alfred and Christina Katool (#26!)

Happy Birthdays in August:

August 4 — Simeon Root (#5!)

August 7 — Joseph Katool

August 18 — Virginia Stewart (#4!)

August 20 — Suzi Fino

August 24 — Anastasia Jones

August 26 — Bob Buchanan

August 27 — Eli Dabit (#4!)

August 31 — Elizabeth Root

Suggestions on use of the Cry Room:

— Please remember you’re in liturgy when you’re in the cry room.

— Its main purpose should be a place for parents to take their children if they’re being disruptive during liturgy, staying for 5-10 minutes (or until the child is calmed down) and then returning to liturgy.

— It should not be used as a main sitting area during the liturgy.

— Children should not be eating snacks or watching electronic devices while in the cry room.

Parents, please supervise your children with food in the Fellowship Hall. We are getting stains on the new carpet (and also the chairs in the nave).

Quotable: “The achievement of passionlessness and sanctity—in other words, of Christian perfection—is impossible without acquiring inner prayer. All the Fathers agree on this.

The path of true prayer becomes incomparably more narrow when the ascetic struggler begins to enter upon it through the activity of the inner man. But when he enters this narrow path and feels how right, saving, and necessary this way is, and when he comes to love his work in the inner cell, then he will also come to love the narrowness of his exterior life because it serves as a cloister and treasury of inner activity.”

James 5:10-20: In his epistle St. James sets before us the faithful prophets as examples in how to practice suffering and patience. He also uses the example of the Prophet Elijah to show the effectiveness of fervent prayer.

Matthew 9:1-8: Jesus demonstrates His authority by both healing the physical illness of a paralytic and by forgiving him of his sins.

Troparion of the Resurrection: Let us believers praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation; for he took pleasure in ascending the Cross in the flesh, to suffer death, and to raise the dead by his glorious Resurrection.

Troparion of the Prophet Elias: O angelic of body, pillar of the Prophets and their corner-stone, the second forerunner of the Coming of Christ, the venerable and glorious Elias, thou didst send grace from on high to Elisha to dispel sicknesses and to purify lepers. Wherefore, he ever overfloweth with healing to those who honour him.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear. We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion of the Theotokos: O undisputed intercessor of Christians, O mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions though we be sinners; come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

Walt and Charlotte Wood and their family; Tom and Jennifer Skirtech and their family; Tom and Kathy Willingham; Athena and Anthony Zouboukos and their family.

Please be reminded of the following:

Be very careful with the Blessed Bread when you take it after communion. Because this bread has been blessed, we should take care not to let crumbs fall on the floor. Parents, especially, please help your children to choose a small piece and treat it carefully.

Also, at the end of the liturgy, maintain a prayerful disposition during the veneration of the cross as the prayers of thanksgiving after communion are still underway. Please exchange your greetings with each other in the Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour.

Please be reminded that the Sacristy/Vestry which is adjacent to and behind the altar in our church is considered by the Orthodox Church to be part of the Sanctuary (Altar area) and should not be entered without the blessing of the priest for a specific purpose. If you need to speak with a member of the clergy while they are in the Sanctuary, please ask them to come to you in the nave.

Lamia Dabit is home from the hospital undergoing treatment for colitis. Please keep her, Saliba and their family in your prayers. If you wish to visit, please call beforehand. Anna Kathryn Stewart is scheduling meals for them. If you would like to send a meal, please contact Anna Kathryn.

Rola and Antonina Karam are in Lebanon on Friday so that Rola can clear up some visa issues related to her work in this country. Rola also had a laparoscopic appendectomy several days before she left. Please keep them and Simon in your prayers.

Karen Cooper was admitted to St. Dominic’s Hospital last Sunday afternoon where she has been undergoing tests and treatment for a pulmonary embolus. Please keep her and Dale in your prayers.

Father John has been atthe Clergy Symposium at the Antiochian Village. He will be returning tomorrow. Please contact Father Leo or Father James if you need a priest.

Calendar Items:

* The Men of the parish meet for lunch and fellowship on the first Thursday of the month.

* The Ladies of St. Peter will meet at 10:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month to pray the Akathist to the Mother of God, Nurturer of Children. Those who are able will go out for lunch and fellowship afterwards.

Young Adults Study Group: The Young Adults will meet once a month on Sunday evening from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (time will be strictly adhered to) for a meal, fellowship and teaching. The date for next meeting is, Sunday, July 27th. Please let Father John know by text or e-mail if you will be there, so that plans may be made for the meal.

Fasting Discipline for July

The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the month.

Major Commemorations for July

July 20 Prophet Elias

July 25 Dormition of Righteous Anna

July 27 Great-martyr Panteleimon

Happy Anniversaries in July:

July 3 — Emad and Suzi Fino (#26!)

July 25 — Reader Basil and Brenda Baker (#33!)

July 30 — Clyde and Mary Ellis (#20!)

Happy Birthdays in July:

July 10 — Ramzi Kafoury

July 11 — Titus Lasseter (#2!)

July 14 — Emil Ellis (#18!)

July 15 — Emad Fino

July 22 — Amy Oliver

— Thomas Wood

— Walt Wood

Suggestions on use of the Cry Room:

— Please remember you’re in liturgy when you’re in the cry room.

— Its main purpose should be a place for parents to take their children if they’re being disruptive during liturgy, staying for 5-10 minutes (or until the child is calmed down) and then returning to liturgy.

— It should not be used as a main sitting area during the liturgy.

— Children should not be eating snacks or watching electronic devices while in the cry room.

Parents, please supervise your children with food in the Fellowship Hall. We are getting stains on the new carpet (and also the chairs in the nave).

Quotable: “Out ward prayer alone is not enough, God pays attention to the mind, and they are no true monks who fail to unite the exterior prayer with inner prayer. Strictly defined, the word ‘monk’ means a recluse, a solitary. Whoever has not withdrawn within himself is not yet a recluse, he is not yet monk even though he lives in the most isolated monastery. The mind of the ascetic who is not withdrawn and enclosed within himself dwells necessarily among tumult and unquietness. Innumerable thoughts, having free admission to his mind, bring this about; without purpose or necessity his mind wanders painfully through the world, bringing harm upon itself. The withdrawal of a man within himself cannot be achieved without the help of concentrated prayer, especially the attentive practice of the Jesus Prayer.”

Titus 3:8-15: On this Sunday we read from St. Paul’s letter to Titus, whom he warns to avoid delv­ing into unprofitable and foolish questions about doctrine, and to reject heretics after two admonitions.

Matthew 5:14-19: In this portion of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches that we are to be Light in the darkness of this world, not hiding the glory of God from others, but rather, putting it where it can be seen.

Troparion of the Resurrection: Having learned the joyful message of the Resurrection from the angel, the women Disciples cast from them their parental condemnation, and proudly broke the news to the Disciples, saying, Death has been spoiled. Christ God is risen, granting the world Great Mercy.

Troparion of the Holy Fathers: Thou, O Christ, art our God of exceeding praise who didst establish our holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true Faith, O most merciful One, glory to thee.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear. We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion of the Theotokos: O undisputed intercessor of Christians, O mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions though we be sinners; come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

CALENDAR

Sunday, July 13 (Sunday of the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council)

8:50 a.m. — Orthros

10:00 a.m. — Divine Liturgy

12:00 p.m. — Pot Luck Meal

Monday, July 14

Office Closed — Father John’s Day Off

Tuesday, July 15

NO Daily Orthros

Wednesday, July 16

6:30 p.m. — Daily Vespers

7:30 p.m. — Choir Practice

Thursday, July 17 (Great-martyr Marina)

Friday, July 18 (Euphemia the all-praised)

Saturday, July 19

8:30 a.m. — Workday at the Church

5:45 p.m. — Ninth Hour followed by Great Vespers

Sunday, July 20 (Sixth Sunday after Pentecost; Prophet Elias)

8:50 a.m. — Orthros

10:00 a.m. — Divine Liturgy

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Joneses for the Divine Liturgy today.

Eucharist Bread and Coffee Hour Schedule:

Eucharist BreadCoffee Hour

July 13 Jones POT LUCK MEAL

set-up: Meadows/Lockhart/Baker

July 20 Meadows Schelver/Lavric/Turner

July 27 Davis Karam/Stewart/Henderson

August 3 D. Root Ellis/Zouboukos/Fahmy

August 5 (Tues. p.m.) Meadows Elizabeth Root

(Feast of the Transfiguration)

August 10 Abraham POT LUCK MEAL

set-up: Pigott/Brock/Strain

August 14 (Thur. p.m.) Karam Christina Katool

(Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos)

August 17 Fahmy Skirtech/Skirtech/Parker

August 24 Baker D. Root/Dansereau

August 31 Wood Algood/Yeatts/Lasseter

Schedule for Epistle Readers – Page numbers refer to the Apostolos (book of the Epistles) located on the front pew. Please be sure to use this book when you read.

ReaderReadingPage#

July 13 Tom Willingham Titus 3:8-15 322-323

July 20 Walt Wood James 5:10-20 395-396

July 27 Sh. Charlotte Algood II Tim. 2:1-10 328

August 3 Warren Strain I Cor. 1:10-17 124

August 5 (Tues. p.m.) Kh. Sharon Meadows II Pet. 1:10-19 401

August 10 Mildred Morris I Cor. 3:9-17 130

August 14 (Thur. p.m.) Phillip Lasseter Phil. 2:5-11 403

August 17 Kh. Be’Be’ Schelver I Cor. 4:9-16 135

August 24 * Tom Skirtech * I Cor. 9:2-12 141

August 31 * Brenda Baker * Heb. 9:1-7 337

* (Please note that these assignments differ from the Quarterly Schedule)

Continue to pray for Metropolitan Paul (who is also the brother of our Patriarch) and the Syriac Archbishop John of Aleppo who were abducted while on a humanitarian mission in Syria.

Walt and Charlotte Wood and their family; Tom and Jennifer Skirtech and their family; Tom and Kathy Willingham; Athena and Anthony Zouboukos and their family.

Please be reminded of the following:

Be very careful with the Blessed Bread when you take it after communion. Because this bread has been blessed, we should take care not to let crumbs fall on the floor. Parents, especially, please help your children to choose a small piece and treat it carefully.

Also, at the end of the liturgy, maintain a prayerful disposition during the veneration of the cross as the prayers of thanksgiving after communion are still underway. Please exchange your greetings with each other in the Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour.

Please be reminded that the Sacristy/Vestry which is adjacent to and behind the altar in our church is considered by the Orthodox Church to be part of the Sanctuary (Altar area) and should not be entered without the blessing of the priest for a specific purpose. If you need to speak with a member of the clergy while they are in the Sanctuary, please ask them to come to you in the nave.

Lamia Dabit is currently at Baptist Hospital undergoing treatment for colitis. Please keep her, Saliba and their family in your prayers. If you wish to visit, please call beforehand. Anna Kathryn Stewart is scheduling meals for them. If you would like to send a meal, please contact Anna Kathryn.

Rola and Antonina Karam left for Lebanon on Friday so that Rola can clear up some visa issues related to her work in this country. Rola also had a laparoscopic appendectomy last Sunday evening. Please keep them and Simon in your prayers.

Father John will be out July 9-13 for family vacation and July 14-21 for travel to and from the Clergy Symposium at the Antiochian Village. Please contact Father Leo or Father James if you need a priest during this time.

Calendar Items:

* The Men of the parish meet for lunch and fellowship on the first Thursday of the month.

* The Ladies of St. Peter will meet at 10:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month to pray the Akathist to the Mother of God, Nurturer of Children. Those who are able will go out for lunch and fellowship afterwards.

Young Adults Study Group: The Young Adults will meet once a month on Sunday evening from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (time will be strictly adhered to) for a meal, fellowship and teaching. The date for next meeting is, Sunday, July 27th . Please let Father John know by text or e-mail if you will be there, so that plans may be made for the meal.

Fasting Discipline for July

The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the month.

Major Commemorations for July

July 17 Great-martyr Marina

July 20 Prophet Elias

July 25 Dormition of Righteous Anna

July 27 Great-martyr Panteleimon

Happy Anniversaries in July:

July 3 — Emad and Suzi Fino (#26!)

July 25 — Reader Basil and Brenda Baker (#33!)

July 30 — Clyde and Mary Ellis (#20!)

Happy Birthdays in July:

July 10 — Ramzi Kafoury

July 11 — Titus Lasseter (#2!)

July 14 — Emil Ellis (#18!)

July 15 — Emad Fino

July 22 — Amy Oliver

— Thomas Wood

— Walt Wood

Suggestions on use of the Cry Room:

— Please remember you’re in liturgy when you’re in the cry room.

— Its main purpose should be a place for parents to take their children if they’re being disruptive during liturgy, staying for 5-10 minutes (or until the child is calmed down) and then returning to liturgy.

— It should not be used as a main sitting area during the liturgy.

— Children should not be eating snacks or watching electronic devices while in the cry room.

Parents, please supervise your children with food in the Fellowship Hall. We are getting stains on the new carpet (and also the chairs in the nave).

Quotable: “Rising in the morning, stand as firmly as possible before God in your heart, as you offer your morning prayers; and then go to the work apportioned to you by God, without withdrawing from Him in your feelings and consciousness. In this way you will do your work with the powers of your soul and body, but in your mind and heart you will remain with God.”

Romans 6:18-23: St Paul, writing to the Romans, explains that when we were freed from sin we

became slaves to righteousness; therefore, we must resist enslavement to sin and instead become enslaved to God.

Matthew 8:5-13: Jesus shows His great mercy to those who have faith in Him when He heals the servant of a centurion.

Troparion of the Resurrection: Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad; for the Lord hath done a mighty act with his own arm. He hath trampled down death and become the First-born from the dead. He hath delivered us from the depths of hades, granting the world the Great Mercy.

Troparion of the Chains of St. Peter: O Holy Apostle, Peter, thou dost preside over the Apostles by the precious chains which thou didst bear. We venerate them with faith and beseech thee that by thine intercessions we be granted the great mercy.

Kontakion of the Theotokos: O undisputed intercessor of Christians, O mediatrix, who is unrejected by the Creator, turn not away from the voice of our petitions though we be sinners; come to us in time, who cry to thee in faith, for thou art good. Hasten to us with intercessions, O Theotokos, who didst ever intercede for those who honor thee.

CALENDAR

Sunday, July 6 (Fourth Sunday after Pentecost)

8:50 a.m. — Orthros

10:00 a.m. — Divine Liturgy

Monday, July 7

Office Closed — Father John’s Day Off

Tuesday, July 8

6:00 a.m. — Daily Orthros

Wednesday, July 9

6:30 p.m. — Daily Vespers

7:30 p.m. — Choir Practice

Thursday, July 10

Friday, July 11 (Euphemia the all-praised)

Saturday, July 12

10:00 a.m. — Ladies meet for Akathist and Lunch

5:45 p.m. — Ninth Hour followed by Great Vespers

Sunday, July 13 (Sunday of the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council)

8:50 a.m. — Orthros

10:00 a.m. — Divine Liturgy

12:00 p.m. — Pot Luck Meal

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Eucharist Bread …was offered by the Morrises for the Divine Liturgy today.

Eucharist Bread and Coffee Hour Schedule:

Eucharist BreadCoffee Hour

July 6 Morris R. Root/Abraham/Habeeb

July 13 Jones POT LUCK MEAL

set-up: Meadows/Lockhart/Baker

July 20 Meadows Schelver/Lavric/Turner

July 27 Davis Karam/Stewart/Henderson

Schedule for Epistle Readers – Page numbers refer to the Apostolos (book of the Epistles) located on the front pew. Please be sure to use this book when you read.

ReaderReadingPage#

July 6 Brenda Baker Rom. 6:18-23 102

July 13 Tom Willingham Titus 3:8-15 322-323

July 20 Walt Wood James 5:10-20 395-396

July 27 Sh. Charlotte Algood II Tim. 2:1-10 328

Continue to pray for Metropolitan Paul (who is also the brother of our Patriarch) and the Syriac Archbishop John of Aleppo who were abducted while on a humanitarian mission in Syria.

Walt and Charlotte Wood and their family; Tom and Jennifer Skirtech and their family; Tom and Kathy Willingham; Athena and Anthony Zouboukos and their family.

Please be reminded of the following:

Be very careful with the Blessed Bread when you take it after communion. Because this bread has been blessed, we should take care not to let crumbs fall on the floor. Parents, especially, please help your children to choose a small piece and treat it carefully.

Also, at the end of the liturgy, maintain a prayerful disposition during the veneration of the cross as the prayers of thanksgiving after communion are still underway. Please exchange your greetings with each other in the Fellowship Hall during Coffee Hour.

Please be reminded that the Sacristy/Vestry which is adjacent to and behind the altar in our church is considered by the Orthodox Church to be part of the Sanctuary (Altar area) and should not be entered without the blessing of the priest for a specific purpose. If you need to speak with a member of the clergy while they are in the Sanctuary, please ask them to come to you in the nave.

Many Thanks to Sam Habeeb and all the volunteers who worked so hard to make our Vacation Church School a success!

Father John will be out July 9-13 for family vacation and July 14-21 for travel to and from the Clergy Symposium at the Antiochian Village. Please contact Father Leo or Father James if you need a priest during this time.

Calendar Items:

* The Men of the parish meet for lunch and fellowship on the first Thursday of the month.

* The Ladies of St. Peter will meet at 10:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month to pray the Akathist to the Mother of God, Nurturer of Children. Those who are able will go out for lunch and fellowship afterwards.

Fasting Discipline for July

The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine or oil) is observed on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the month.

Major Commemorations for July

July 11 Euphemia the all-praised

July 17 Great-martyr Marina

July 20 Prophet Elias

July 25 Dormition of Righteous Anna

July 27 Great-martyr Panteleimon

Happy Anniversaries in July:

July 3 — Emad and Suzi Fino (#26!)

July 25 — Reader Basil and Brenda Baker (#33!)

July 30 — Clyde and Mary Ellis (#20!)

Happy Birthdays in July:

July 10 — Ramzi Kafoury

July 11 — Titus Lasseter (#2!)

July 14 — Emil Ellis (#18!)

July 15 — Emad Fino

July 22 — Amy Oliver

— Thomas Wood

— Walt Wood

Suggestions on use of the Cry Room:

— Please remember you’re in liturgy when you’re in the cry room.

— Its main purpose should be a place for parents to take their children if they’re being disruptive during liturgy, staying for 5-10 minutes (or until the child is calmed down) and then returning to liturgy.

— It should not be used as a main sitting area during the liturgy.

— Children should not be eating snacks or watching electronic devices while in the cry room.

Parents, please supervise your children with food in the Fellowship Hall. We are getting stains on the new carpet (and also the chairs in the nave).

Young Adults Study Group: The Young Adults will meet once a month on Sunday evening from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (time will be strictly adhered to) for a meal, fellowship and teaching. The date for next meeting is, Sunday, July 27th . Please let Father John know by text or e-mail if you will be there, so that plans may be made for the meal.

Quotable: “What then is prayer? Prayer is the raising of the mind and heart to God in praise and thanksgiving to Him and in supplication for the good things that we need, both spiritual and physical. The essence of prayer is therefore the spiritual lifting of the heart towards God. The mind in the heart stands consciously before the face of God, filled with due reverence, and begins to pour itself out before Him. This is spiritual prayer, and all prayer should be of this nature. External prayer, whether at home or in church, is only prayer’s verbal expression and shape; the essence or soul of prayer is within a man’s mind and heart. All our Church order of prayer, all prayers composed for home use, are filled with spiritual turning to God. Anyone who prays with even the least part of attention cannot avoid this spiritual turning to God, unless he is completely inattentive to what he is doing.”

The Art of Prayer, compiled by Igumen Chariton of Valamo

Worship: Sunday, July 13, 2014 (Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical